Don’t Neglect your Horse’s Joint Health

Until a number of years ago, alternative treatments and methodologies for equine health were not very prominent. Now, equine chiropractic, acupuncture, and supplementation carry a central role in maintaining the health of horses across the nation. Many veterinarians believe that treatments consisting of traditional western medicine, combined with alternative treatments and therapies, offers a more comprehensive and effective approach to equine joint health.

Joint Health is Essential

Horses are very large creatures that spend almost all of their time standing, walking, or running. As you can imagine, it is important for horses to have healthy joints. Like any creature, the aging process facilities the degradation of bone, cartilage, and other joint supporting material. Aside from regular exercise and a healthy diet, there are other means of supporting and strengthening your horse’s joint health.

Supplementation

A number of joint health supplement ingredients have been proven to naturally maintain, or even improve, joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are well established as essential components of joint health throughout the equine community. Studies show these ingredients aid in the repair of cartilage, which consequently reduces joint pain, and assists in increased flexibility and mobility.

There are a number of nutraceuticals available for horses on the market, and choosing one can be difficult. Look for those that have a comprehensive formula containing proven joint health ingredients (ex. cetyl myristoleate).

Other Alternative Treatments

As previously mentioned, there are other treatments and therapies available for horses. Massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic resources are all widely available these days. Oftentimes, the best joint health regimens consist of a combination of these alternative treatments.

Despite their effectiveness, many people find supplementation to be an easier route in terms of expense, availability, and administering. Whatever you choose, be sure to observe your horse’s health and behavior to adequately analyze the effectiveness of the treatment.